HATS OFF FOR HOPSON: Hundreds turns out to honor state representative
By TONY FLOYD, Henderson Daily News
Judging from the enthusiasm Rusk County citizens showed for their four-term state representative during a special appreciation program Wednesday, one would never suspect that Chuck Hopson has never once carried the county in an election.
And while that is in fact the case since Hopson launched his career eight years ago as the state legislator for Rusk, Cherokee, Panola and Houston counties, hundreds crowded into the Rusk County Youth Expo Center to show their appreciation to Hopson for his contributions and service to Rusk County during a luncheon program sponsored jointly by the local service clubs - Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist and Rotary.
Master of ceremonies Rick Hanning, Henderson Mayor John W. “Buzz” Fullen and Rusk County Court at Law Judge Chad Dean shared their personal experiences with Hopson before the veteran state legislator and his wife, Billie, were introduced.
Fullen added some humor to his segment by pretending to receive cell phone calls from Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick, all of whom supposedly were trying to locate Hopson.
Dean cited Hopson, a member of the Oversight Committee on Judicial Affairs, asking for his input on matters coming before the panel.
It’s a privilege to be here to praised Chuck Hopson,” Dean said. “He is an outstanding public servant, just as everyone here is a servant of the community, and we do appreciate his service.”
Dean said he believed Hopson asked for his input on the judiciary matter not as a means of scoring political points with him, but rather to help make an informed decision as a legislator.
Hospon noted he was raised in the Reklaw and Carlisle area, and that weekend trips to downtown Henderson were considered the principal outing for his family.
He said East Texans shared unique values, noting the area’s heritage of family farmers, ranchers and oilfield workers, all of whom were committed to hard work and strong individual work ethics.
“It’s that same smalltown feeling everywhere you go in East Texas,” Hopson said while recognizing state Rep. Tommy Merritt, R-Longview, who represents the House district to the immediate north.
He said East Texas legislators are committed to working together to advance the region’s best interests in Austin.
“Together, we are much better than we are apart,” Hopson said. “There are still many things that we need to do, and I look forward to going back to represent you in 2009.”
As for the Legislature’s top achievements in the session earlier this year, Hopson cited property tax cuts, enhancing private property protections, Medicaid reforms and additional funding for state parks.
Hopson serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, chairman of the Budget Committee and Oversight Committee on Judicial Affairs and is a member of the Redistricting Committee. He also serves as a member of the Rural Caucus and the Texas Conservative Coalition.
